Sharing A Smile
An Exercise For People Of Certain Age
Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side. With a 5kg potato sack in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides & hold them there as long as you can. Try to reach a full minute & then relax. Each day you will find that you can hold this position for just a bit longer.
After a couple of weeks, move up to 10 kg potato sacks.Then try 50 kg potato sacks & then eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100 kg potato sack in each hand & hold your arms straight for more than a full minute (I'm at this level)
AFTER YOU FEEL CONFIDENT PUT A POTATO IN EACH OF THE SACKS!!
I hope this brought a smile to everyone!!
I'd like to share this affirmation:
The work you are doing on yourself is not a goal, it is a process - a lifetime process. ENJOY THE PROCESS!
- Posted by EePee
- Jul 24, 2007
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
Love Thy Neighbor
When my wife, Beth, and I moved from the suburbs to a warehouse loft in the center of a large city, Beth embraced every aspect of urban life -- even the sirens, the parking problems, and the car alarms at night. The homeless people made me nervous, but Beth learned their names. The only neighbors who bothered her were the guys who ran the tattoo parlor across the street. They got into traffic-stopping fights, harassed women on the sidewalk, and intimidated men. They were the reason Beth didn’t walk on that side of the street. For two years she glared out our window at the row of men sitting in front of the shop and fantasized about shooting out their tires. Then one day she called me at work to tell me she was getting a tattoo. She’d never wanted a tattoo before and had even taken pride in being one of ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by Joe Slevcove
- Jul 22, 2007
- Comments (39)
- Share Story
A True Story From Kolkata
Every day a lady passes my home on the way to the park. Over each arm she carries a large bag which contains many packets. Each packet has a name written on it in pencil. As she enters the gate of the park she is greeted by a number of stray dogs.
Each one pushes the other away in order to be nearer to her. She puts down each bag on a park bench and takes the packets out, one at a time. Every dog sits an orderly semi-circle, waiting to be called. When each dog hears his name called by the lady it steps forward for its packet. When every dog has eaten, the lady goes away without a word.
- Posted by allen
- Jul 19, 2007
- Comments (29)
- Share Story
You Never Know
I have a dear friend Joni, who is one of those people who lights up a room when she enters. She is an extremely warm and welcoming individual, who makes you feel good about yourself. Over the past few years Joni has dealt with much, including family illness and death, and throughout it all she has maintained a presence of joy that has been remarkable. Recently she was contemplating whether or not to continue a weekly visit/group she conducted at a nursing home. Each week she would bring an activity to share with the residents. This was the nursing home where her mother had been and Joni had grown quite fond of the other residents there. But Joni's schedule is so full, she felt the need to make some changes, and thought she might discontinue her work at the nursing home for a while. As she was wrestling with her decision she kept ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by PamelaJo
- Jul 18, 2007
- Comments (16)
- Share Story
Helping When You Need Help
We attended a benefit dinner for a family in our church tonight. A member in their family has been ill for awhile now, and this has caused a great financial strain on the family. Church members have assisted them with cleaning, preparing meals, and have helped them keep their pantry full of food.
During the dinner they had an auction. They auctioned mostly services that the teens of the church would be providing, babysitting, singing lessons, and guitar lessons to name a few. They auctioned a batch of cinnamon buns, and my husband had the high bid of $40. While we are having some hard times of our own financially, I thought it was awesome that he contributed to this family in their time of need. (Our family is fortunate to all have our health, and a place to live.)
When you think you have it bad, there is always someone who is having a much harder time of it... I am thankful that I have a husband who is so thoughtful.
- Posted by samson95
- Jul 17, 2007
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
Words Of Encouragement
The more I keep on reading some of such inspirational stories on this website, it has just come to mind that not long ago I spoke to a young person from Ghana on line whose father sadly had kicked him out in the street after finding out about his sexual preferences and told me that he had nowhere at all to go but to sleep out there in the cold.
Of course, I decided I had to share my own thoughts on the matter but to cut a long story short ,I tried my best to comfort him and make him feel he was indeed worth it as a person, as a whole and that his father should be proud of him no matter who his son was. Therefore, however difficult it might be for him, I suggested he should approach his dad and convince him to take him back and amazingly he did!! Having said that, he touched my heart by saying to me that even though he believed he had lost his faith I was the only one who cared enough to give it back to him!!
It just goes to show that even words of encouragement mean a lot.
- Posted by ivan
- Jul 16, 2007
- Comments (8)
- Share Story
All It Takes Is Lemonade!
In a fast-paced city like New York, one can spend a lot of time thinking about doing big things to spread smiles in the city. But often, it is the spontaneous, simple and small ideas that do the job. Take our lemonade stand, in the heart of New York City. Spontaneously decided over coffee one day, and six days later, five of us were at Central Park at 5PM, handing out "free lemonade" to all passerby's who wanted it! "Why are you doing this?" "Just because." "Is it really free?" "Yes. Spread the joy, pay it forward." "Can I take some more smile cards?" "Absolutely." "I'd like to help you give out lemonade." "Sure thing." We collected 250 smiles and were out of lemonade in all but ONE hour! The box of 1000 Smile Cards that we started with was down to 200, thanks to everyone. =) About 5 minutes after we started, ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by beastly
- Jul 16, 2007
- Comments (41)
- Share Story
A Song I Wrote Last Night
I was feeling a little down last night and I came here and read and read. It picked me up and I wrote this song. The chords are in parenthesis. "Its Not Too Hard" It's not too [G]hard to be [C]nice If you [G]want to be.[C][G] It's not too[G] hard to be[C] happy If you [D]try. You just [C]reach out your [D]hand and you [G]help another [C]friend and you'll be [G]glad that you [D]are who you [G]are. It's not too hard to be friendly if you need a friend. It's not too hard to be helpful if you try. You just reach out your hand and you help another friend And you'll be glad that you are who you are. Cause [F] being a good [C]person is [F]good for your [C]health and [F]helping one [C]another will [F]give you all the [C]wealth That you [D]need. Its not too hard to be great if you want to be It's not too hard to be special if you try. You just reach out your hand and ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by imaniceperson
- Jul 15, 2007
- Comments (8)
- Share Story
Two Dollars That Changed My Life
Everyday I walk down the mall to get a cup of cappuccino, and every day I get hit up for spare change. Every day. The panhandlers all have these wonderful stories but you never know what to believe. After a while it gets to be an irritation, and then I find myself getting upset that I'm so irritated over what is really just spare change.
One day this person came up to me and said, "I just ran out of gas. My car is about six blocks away from here, I have two kids in the car and I'm just trying to get back home."
I said to myself, "Here we go again," but for some reason I gave him $10. Then I went on and got my cappuccino. As I was walking back to my office, I again saw the man standing by his car, which had run out of gas right in front of my office. Seeing me, he came over and said, "Thank you, but I don't need the full ten," and handed me $2.
Now I find that being asked for money no longer bothers me and I give whatever I can everytime I get the chance.
- Posted by Daphne
- Jul 15, 2007
- Comments (9)
- Share Story
Remembering Referrals
I try to use local help -- especially "Mom & Pop" businesses, single Moms or college students for different services I need around the home. And if I like the services they provide, then I ask for several business cards. When friends ask if I had the same service done or can recommend a company, then I whip out their business card and share. It benefits both.
Last year, a few of us went to a Home and Garden show in downtown Denver; my husband's friend said that he was looking for indoor/outdoor special heat resistant blinds. A few months later, he had them installed them and absolutely loved it.
When I had them later installed inside our home, the saleswoman asked if someone referred them...I said yes and gave his name and address.
He was pleasantly surprised the following week with a check for $50.00 for the referral!
- Posted by brighteyes
- Jul 14, 2007
- Comments (7)
- Share Story
Kindness Duty Calls
Our neighbors are away on vacation. We were asked to pick up their mail and newspaper while they were traveling. We were happy to help them out.
While they were away, it also happened to be garbage pick up day. I was not asked to wheel down their garbage can, but knew it would be a nice thing to so that they wouln't have stinky smelling cans to greet them when they returned (the garbage would have been there for almost 2 weeks if I didn't put it to the curb side). I also noticed their flowers looking a little thirsty, so I gave them a sprinkle. :)
Little things that take only a few minutes can make a big difference. I think they will be happy when they return today.
Treat someone like you would like to be treated...doing it without being asked will show you really care about them.
- Posted by Aurelia
- Jul 13, 2007
- Comments (10)
- Share Story
Five Year Old Jacob's Chocolate Cookies
My husband is not a big fan of kids, especially those without manners and that misbehave. One of our neighbors has 3 children and the oldest is Jacob. He's 10 now, but was 5 at the time. Just a big bundle of love and energy, with his bright blue eyes, red hair, freckles and braces. (For you all that remember Mayberry RFD on TV- he's Opie's look-alike! For the rest of you, he's a darling! I just love him to death). For some reason, he took a liking to my husband. Everytime he saw him, Jacob would wave, dash across the street and come visit. If he was in the garage repairing his bikes or in the front yard cleaning, Jacob would wave, dash across the street and come visit. Jacob would always ask so many questions and keep my hubby company. They would ride bikes together, and what not. They really seemed ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by brighteyes
- Jul 11, 2007
- Comments (22)
- Share Story
Ice Cream Versus The Beggar
I started walking from school to our house when I was in 4th grade. By that time, my allowance was just 10 pesos (about 2 dimes) -- just enough for a tricycle fare (which is 5 pesos).
After I crossed the highway one very hot noon, I saw a very thin man, with a can beside him for alms. Just ten steps after him was the stand where ice cream was sold for 5 pesos.
My heart was struck but my mind wanted ice cream.
I stopped to think for a while. "If I buy an ice cream and give the man my fare, he won't be able to by anything that could satisfy his hunger. But if I let down my cravings and give him my ten pesos, he can buy rice and put some soy sauce to taste."
I don't know why but I didn't want anyone to see me do my kind act, so I dropped the coin silently and ran to my house with a smile.
I will not forget that moment forever, that feeling that lifted my heart. ^___^
- Posted by zidlore
- Jul 11, 2007
- Comments (13)
- Share Story
Go Home
At work today one of my friends who is usually very cheerful seemed quiet and down.
Each time I saw her in the hallway and she was looking down to the floor when she walked by. I felt bad that she was upset or sad.
She has 2 jobs and I go home when she starts her second job watching children until parents get out of work at the end of the day. When I went home I told my husband and he said why don't you go visit her right now and talk and see if she just needs a break from work...let her go home early and you stay to watch the kids till their parents pick them up.
So I did go back and talked to her. She seemed happier and said it was just a hard day and working with the little children now was giving her a lift.
She thanked me for coming back and caring about her. She wouldn't go home early though, but she was happy that I offered to stay so she could go home and relax . I think knowing others cared about her helped her feel better and I'm glad I could be supportive to her.
- Posted by Aurelia
- Jul 10, 2007
- Comments (9)
- Share Story
God Blessed Me With Tunics =)
So there's a bit of a heat wave over here, it's been 80 degrees a lot. (For the northwest area of the states, that's pretty hot!) And since I'm muslim, I can only wear shirts with full length sleeves and long skirts, no t-shirts, tank tops, or shorts. So tunics are awesome in the summer because they are light, yet still very modest.
Anyways, I was gettin depressed because they aren't currently selling any here(I only have a couple, because usually it's below 70 here so I have mostly thicker clothing), and I don't drive so I can't go to a bigger city to find some. And internet sites are too expensive(I still live with my parents and just get allowance).
So as I was telling all this to one of my friends over the phone, she said she'd give me some of hers! Yay!! God bless her heart for saving me from the heat. =)
So yes, my kindness of the week is kindness given to me.
By the way, ice cream is good for heat waves too. ^_^
- Posted by AiyaZaynab
- Jul 10, 2007
- Comments (4)
- Share Story
A Surprise "No Charge"
My neighbor's have been trying to sell their house for 8 months. The husband took a job out of state so there is no one to do the "man" chores. They are having to pay 1 mortgage in one town and rent in another. The realtor told them they needed to stain their deck but the estimate was $600. I volunteered to do the job for $200 as I expected it would be a quick job. It ended up taking 8 hrs. because I took my time to make sure it was done right. The wife made me lunch & set up the stereo outside to make the day a little more enjoyable. Her daughter made me cool drinks during the day. Although the job wore me out, at the end, I told her "no charge". A couple of days later they showed up at my house with a silly grin ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by imaniceperson
- Jul 10, 2007
- Comments (4)
- Share Story
Simply Opening The Door
Just a little thing.
The other day when I was in the local bakery buying my 2 year old a treat, there was an older gentleman with a cane in front of us. He bought a couple of bags worth and then had to manage with his cane so when he went to the door I rushed over to open the door for him. When I opened the door for him the biggest smile came on his face as I believe he had totally not expected me to open the door for him and he gave me a big thank you.
Gosh it felt good to do such a little thing but to get such a wonderful response back.
I guess it is even the smallest of things that can make a difference in someone's day!
- Posted by Flowers
- Jul 10, 2007
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
Reason, Season Or Lifetime
I just received this from my Sister-n-Law and loved it so much I wanted to share with you all....it's so true.....enjoy! People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you thru a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to ... Read Full Story >>
- Posted by brighteyes
- Jul 9, 2007
- Comments (6)
- Share Story
Sharing What I Know
Recently my friends and I have been in the process of trying to gather funds to pursue our masters degree.
Two days ago, I came across several scholarships possibilities through my cousin. None of my other friends knew about these.
I emailed all of them giving them a LOT of information about how to apply for these scholarships.
My friends were really very happy to get this information from me, especially since they knew we will all be competing for the same scholarships.
One friend said that she was so proud to have me as a friend since I was unselfish enough to tell everyone about it inspite of knowing that now the competition will increase considerably.
- Posted by guin
- Jul 9, 2007
- Comments (4)
- Share Story
Chocolate Bar At The Bank Drive-In
Today I went to the drive-in window at the bank. I wanted to do something for the teller because it was so busy and I thought she could use something to smile about.
When my money was returned in the capsule , I quickly put a Hershey bar and a smile card in the capsule and sent it back to the teller.
Just as I was getting ready to drive away, I heard a voice over the speaker say "Thank you, that was very sweet of you".
Easy. Keep it up everyone. Opportunities for kindness are all around us!
- Posted by Aurelia
- Jul 9, 2007
- Comments (12)
- Share Story